Squad Assessments: England Qualify for the Upcoming Tournament
The national team earned their spot at the global tournament with a convincing victory over the Baltic side on Tuesday evening.
The Starting Lineup
- The goalkeeper – Pulled off a few of fine stops in the second half to preserve his remarkable clean sheet run. That's nine straight in a row. 6.5
- Djed Spence – Seems at home in international football with ease. More challenging tests await, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
- Manchester City's centre-back – A pair of fixtures in five days will do the Manchester City defender a world of good. Still one of the first names on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
- Aston Villa's defender – Picked ahead of the other option and didn't put a foot wrong. Executed an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
- Myles Lewis-Skelly – Looked a little ring rusty at times, understandable given his lack of action at his club. An interesting few months ahead. 6
- Newcastle's star – Seems essential in this England team at the moment. Looks suited to this level and has struck up an productive partnership with Rice. 7
- Declan Rice – Excelling in his attacking role. The pillar of England's midfield is showing his offensive abilities now. Becoming a true all-round midfielder. 7
- The attacker – Quieter as he has been in England's victories over other teams. It will be revealed next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Bukayo Saka – Added an setup to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's hopes next summer. 7.5
- The captain – In the form of his life. Increased his tally for the season to 20 scores. Has found the net 76 goals for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
- Newcastle's attacker – Precise finish to start things off for England here in away. Has acquitted himself well during this fixture period. 7.5
Subs' Impact
- The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Kept play flowing in midfield. 6
- Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a danger. 7
- West Ham's attacker (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to make the squad when the squad is full. 6
- Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, dealt with everything aerially. 6
- The forward (for Gordon 71) – A speedy dash down the left caught the eye. 6
With their place booked, the team can now prepare for the upcoming tournament with high hopes.